Shipping containers carrying thousands of bananas wash up on the South Coast after falling overboard in the Solent

The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) said that 16 containers had fallen into the sea near the Nab tower lighthouse off Bembridge on the Isle of Wight at about 6pm on Saturday. They fell from the Baltic Klipper which remains anchored in the Solent.

This resulted in a delay for the large Southampton-based cruise ship MS Iona, however ships leaving Portsmouth are uninterrupted.

Shipping containers have been spotted washing up in Selsey on the Manhood Peninsula south of Chichester, with patrols in place to find the rest.

A statement from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “HM Coastguard is continuing to work with the relevant authorities after 16 containers went overboard from the cargo ship BALTIC KLIPPER in the Solent on 6 December. This includes working with the vessel’s owners who are responsible for recovering the containers.

“Eight of the containers were reported as carrying bananas, two as carrying plantain, one as carrying avocados, and the remaining five as empty.

“Two containers have come ashore at Selsey, where a cordon has been put in place. Coastguard rescue teams from Selsey and Littlehampton, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police are all in attendance.

“The public are advised to avoid the area and are reminded that all wreck material found in the UK has to be reported to HM Coastguard’s Receiver of Wreck by completing this form: Report wreck material: What you need to report - GOV.UK Those who fail to declare items within 28 days are breaking the law and may have further action taken against then.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue said: “Following an incident yesterday, two large shipping containers have washed up on Selsey beach. We are currently cordoning off the area: Do not approach the containers they may be hazardous.

“Please avoid the area. Allow us to make the site safe.”

The cruise ship Iona had been due to set off on Saturday for a 14-day trip to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands.

The P&O Cruises ship the MS Iona, which has a capacity of 5,200 passengers, had been set to leave Southampton yesterday (Saturday, December 6) but had been stuck in port since the accident.

She eventually left at lunchtime today (Sunday, December 7).